Talking Technology Enabled Care - A personalised, visual digital platform to transform health, social care and housing services

Abstract

The aim of the Talking Technology Enabled Care project was to conduct a feasibility study to co-design, implement, evaluate and deliver a novel, visual, digital care management application for those who find communicating their health needs challenging. The project has been funded by Innovate UK. Effective communication is at the heart of holistic healthcare. Enabling people to talk about their needs and concerns is the first step in providing care that addresses these concerns, supports recovery and self-management. Technology is a potential enabler of communication between individuals and those in their informal or professional care network. Technological solutions can enhance communication among professionals who are encouraged to work together across traditional boundaries to provide holistic healthcare that addresses individuals’ health, social care and housing needs. However, for individuals with communication difficulties expressing their needs is especially challenging and the inability to collect and share information electronically inhibits interagency working. Harnessing –and developing –existing technology that enables talk between individuals with communication difficulties, carers and service professionals can address communication barriers and enhance integrated care delivery between the health, social care and housing sectors.